THE Sabah Government said monitoring and enforcement are already in place at the Tawau public jetty to regulate cargo handling activities and ensure compliance with existing laws.
Assistant Industrial Development, Entrepreneurship and Transport Minister Datuk Jonnybone J Kurum said the Tawau public jetty is managed by the Sabah Ports and Harbours Department (JPDS) under the Ports and Harbours Enactment 2002 and its subsidiary regulations.
He said JPDS has stationed personnel at the jetty to conduct continuous monitoring of daily operations, including controlling the movement of passengers and vessels, as well as ensuring compliance with operational procedures and safety requirements.
“To ensure the public jetty operates smoothly, safely and in accordance with the law, JPDS has placed its staff at the facility to carry out continuous monitoring of daily operations,” he said when replying to Sebatik assemblyman Manahing Tinggilani during question time at the State Legislative Assembly sitting on Tuesday.
Jonnybone said permanent enforcement personnel from the Royal Malaysia Police are also stationed at the public jetty to oversee goods being loaded and unloaded, while the Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDS) and the Domestic Trade and Cost of Living Ministry (KPDN) conduct enforcement operations from time to time.
In a supplementary question, Manahing raised concerns over complaints from Pulau Sebatik residents regarding cargo handling activities and asked whether the Government planned to improve inspection facilities at the Tawau jetty to enable more comprehensive checks on boats and cargo without disrupting the local economy.
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Responding, Jonnybone said cooperation among all relevant enforcement agencies is essential, adding that smuggling involves not only essential goods but also petrol and diesel.
“We hope all the agencies involved will continue to cooperate, especially in terms of enforcement,” he said.
He added that elected representatives also have a role to play by reporting any breaches of the law, while the Government is working with all relevant agencies to curb illegal activities.
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